Two rich harness racing finals for two-year-olds at Melton on Saturday take the spotlight for Aaron Bain Racing this weekend.
But firstly, there will be a trip to Thomas Farms Murray Bridge for the thoroughbreds on Saturday.
Ultra-consistent THERE GOES MY HERO backs up after an excellent second at Morphettville Parks
He runs in race five, the Daish Irrigation &amp; Fodder Handicap (2500m) at 1.52pm SA time, drawing gate 11 in an acceptance of 14, but already there has been a scratching.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone takes the ride and with her 2kg claim, the four-year-old will carry 2kg under the minimum.
THERE GOES MY HERO was an excellent second behind Queensland Derby-bound Party Crasher last week.
Early markets have the gelding at $5 with the favourite Sentimental Flame at $3.30.
ABR&rsquo;s other runner is METRO LEGEND which has drawn terribly in race nine, the Mulch N More Handicap (1400m) at 4.25pm SA time.
He has drawn gate 19 in an acceptance of 20 with four emergencies.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone will claim 2kg off his weight of 62.5kg.
METRO LEGEND has had just one from a break, in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes at Oakbank, beaten 3.24 lengths by the winner Volcanic Express.
Early markets have the gelding at $15 with the favourite Sachem at $5.50.
<h3>Harness Racing</h3>
ABR is hoping for feature successes at Melton on Saturday night.
LOUCASSO lines up in the $150,000 APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series Final (1720m) for two-year-old colts &amp; geldings, race eight at 8.18pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart and to be driven by Mark Pitt, he will come from gate three in a field of eight.
Bookmakers think LOUCASSO will win and have him at $1.09 favourite.
Then, DEGARMEA TEALE will start in the $150,000 APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series Final (1720m) for two-year-old fillies, race nine at 8.44pm SA time.
Also trained by Stewart, the filly will be driven by Jackie Barker and carry the number four saddlecloth in a field of seven.
DEGARMEA TEALE has been installed a $1.20 favourite.
ABR is hopeful the pair can justify their short quotes.
At Globe Derby Park, CAPTAIN PERFECT will attempt to notch a third straight win in as many weeks when he contests race eight, the T Junction Performing At Globe Sunday May 25 Pace (1800m) at 9.50pm SA time.
The three-year-old has drawn gate 10 in a field of 11 with one emergency, with top concession reinsperson Bernadette Page to drive.
Trained by Emma Stewart, CAPTAIN PERFECT won the SA St Leger two weeks ago, then scored by a brilliant 55-1/2 metres last week.
Another ABR runner at Globe Derby Park will be SA Cup winner WHERES THE GOLD, now being trained by Samantha Hill.
WHERES THE GOLD, to be driven by the trainer, resumes in race six, the Ladbrokes Punter Assist Pace (1800m) coming from gate seven in a field of seven at 8.51pm SA time.
The gelding has not raced since being unplaced at Globe Derby Park on June 22 last year.
&nbsp;

Aaron Bain Racing

Feature harness finals

Aaron Bain

Aaron Bain Racing&rsquo;s had excellent success in the harness racing area on the weekend.
During last week, our two-year-olds LOUCASSO and DEGARMEA TEALE won their heats of the APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series over 1650 metres at Bendigo.
A colt, LOUCASSO rated 1:54.8 in an easy 23 metre win, then the filly DEGARMEA TEALE recorded a brilliant 1:53.7 in a five-metre win.
They will now contest their own $150,000 APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Final over 1720 metres at Melton on Saturday. More details in ABR&rsquo;S weekend preview.
On Saturday night at Globe Derby Park, trainer Peter Bain extended his perfect run in SA in 2025 to six wins when LIZZIE SHELBY thrashed her rivals in the NC Equine Pacing For Pink Pace (1800m).
Driven by Wayne Hill, the four-year-old mare won easily by 16 metres.
Disappointingly, Peter&rsquo;s run ended in the following race, the Table Of Knowledge Pacing For Pink Pace (12800m), when LA MOTH ran a gallant second, beaten a metre after sitting parked.
ABR&rsquo;s night ended in spectacular fashion when CAPTAIN PERFECT, a winner of the SA St Leger a week earlier, thrashed his rivals in the Pacing For Pink Fundraiser May 31 @ GDP Pace (2230m) winning by 55-1/2 metres!
Great win by Warm Breeze last week and while there were no wins for ABR on the thoroughbred front at Morphettville Parks, but the stable was happy with the efforts of the team.
No runners for ABR at Balaklava on Wednesday and our attention now is on the meeting at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Saturday where we expect to have two runners.
ABR had two nice trial runners at Strathalbyn on Monday and look forward to them hitting the track.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star
Maybe he was upset not getting the award for his St Leger win last week, but CAPTAIN PERFECT stamped another nomination on Saturday with an incredible win at Globe Derby Park.
It was a win that was impossible to overlook.
A three-year-old, CAPTAIN PERFECT took on the older horses in the Pacing For Pink Fundraiser May 31 @ GDP Pace (2230m) coming from gate five with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
After sitting just backed early in a quick lead time of 44.3 seconds, Hill took the colt forward to find the lead and let him cruise along in front.
The Emma Stewart-trained three-year-old peeled off quarters of 28.7, 30.2, 29 and 29.2 seconds for the last 1600 metres to record an excellent mile rate of 1:57.0.
In winning, CAPTAIN PERFECT left his rivals well in the rear vision metre winning by an amazing 55-1/2 metres!
Reinsman Wayne Hill said CAPTAIN PERFECT was an outstanding colt.
&ldquo;He ran a quick time of 1:57.0 over the 2230m which was very good,&rdquo; Hill said.
&ldquo;Once he found the front, he grabbed the bit, and he trucked.
&ldquo;He travelled up and could have gone another lap, he felt amazing.&rdquo;
The current plan is for CAPTAIN PERFECT to have another two runs at Globe Derby Park before he returns to the Victorian stables of Emma Stewart.

Harness highlights the weekend

As The Seekers sang, &lsquo;The Carnival Is Over&rsquo; but for ABR the racing continues on Saturday at Morphettville Parks.
ABR has accepted with five runners for Saturday&rsquo;s SA metro meeting.
Debutante ONE MORE SONG steps out in race one, the Festival Hire Maiden (1000m) at 11.37pm SA time.
The two-year-old filly has drawn gate four in a field of 11 with apprentice Felicity Atkinson to ride and claim 3kg.
Owned by the Pipeliner Bloodstock of Wayne Mitchell, owner of Angaston Park, the filly has had three trials for trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor and done enough to suggest she is ready for her race debut.
ONE MORE SONG is a $27 chance with bookmakers behind the $1.75 favourite, Victorian Chisholm.
Ultra-consistent THERE GOES MY HERO lines up in race two, the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (2250m) at 12.12pm SA time.
Jason Holder rides and the gelding has barrier three in a field of eight.
With minor placings at his past three starts, THERE GOERS MY HERO deserves a win and ABR is sure he will be super competitive.
He ran a close second over 2150m at Oakbank at his most recent run and the four-year-old has to be strongly considered.
THERE GOES MY HERO is quoted at $7 behind the heavily backed favourite Party Crasher at $1.60.
THERMODYNAMIC returns to racing in race four, the PFD Food Services Handicap (1550m) at 1.22pm SA time.
Apprentice Taylah Johnstone, claiming 2kg, will be in the sulky coming from gate six in a field of 11.
The five-year-old has not raced since finishing midfield in the Bordertown Cup on December 17.
Johnstone rode THERMODYNAMIC in a 1000 metre trial at Balaklava on April 17.
The gelding has a good first up record and ABR hopes he can show up again.
There has been a little early support for THERMODYNAMIC from $6 into $5.50 with Andrew&rsquo;s Memory the favourite at $4.40.
FOLLOWING SEA has his first run for ABR in race five the Dominant Handicap (1400m) at 1.57pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride jumping from barrier one in a field of 11.
The four-year-old won a trial in nice fashion at Balaklava on April 17 with Holder in the saddle.
FOLLOWING SEA is a winner of three races from just 10 starts.
Last preparation, for trainers Tony &amp; Calvin McEvoy, the four-year-old ran home powerfully to win first up over 1600 metres on a heavy eight track at Hamilton in Victoria.
Punters took the early price of $12 for FOLLOWING SEA, and he is into $10 with the favourite Synchro at $3.50.
METRO LEGEND completes ABR&rsquo;s day in race seven, the Frank White&rsquo;s 80th Birthday Handicap (1300m) at 3.12pm SA time.
He has drawn poorly in the extreme outside gate in an acceptance of 13 which includes one emergency with Jason Holder to ride.
METRO LEGEND resumed in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes at Oakbank on April 19 and finished just over three lengths from the winner.
The barrier is certainly no help on Saturday.
Bookmakers listed METRO LEGEND at $27 with I Am Velvet the favourite at $2.90.
On Sunday, ABR has the one runner at Strathalbyn.
GOODNITE MOON will make her debut in race three, the Team Poly Tanks Maiden (1600m) at 1.08pm SA time.
The three-year-old filly has drawn barrier eight in an acceptance of 12, but already there has been a scratching.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone will ride.
GOODNITE MOON has had three trials for ABR to prepare her for the race debut. The most recent was a third over 1000 metres at Balaklava on April 17.
Harness Racing
ABR heads to Mildura on Friday afternoon with trainer Peter Bain having two runners.
First-starter HILLTOP BLOSSOM lines up in race one the Welcome Levi To Ashwood Stables Maiden (1720m) at 12.37pm SA time.
The two-year-old filly, bred and owned by the family matriarch Val Bain, has drawn gate three with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
HILLTOP CRUSADER is ABR&rsquo;s other starter in race six, the Clue Merbein Pace (2190m) at 3.46pm SA time.
An impressive winner at Globe Derby Park when resuming, the three-year-old will carry the number four saddlecloth with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
On Saturday, ABR has three runners at Globe Derby Park, all later in the evening.
LIZZIE SHELBY runs in race six, the NC Equine Pacing For Pink Pace (1800m) at 8.52pm SA time.
She has drawn gate 10 for trainer Peter Bain with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
Bain and Hill combine again with LA MOTH in race seven, the Table Of Knowledge Pacing For Pink Pace (1800m) at 9.22pm SA time.
Seeking a third straight victory, LA MOTH comes from barrier six.
St Leger winner CAPTAIN PERFECT completes ABR&rsquo;s night in race nine, the Pacing For Pink Fundraiser May 31 @ GDP Pace (2230m) at 10.15pm SA time.
He will carry saddlecloth five for trainer Emma Stewart with Wayne Hill to drive.
Warm Breeze 
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Lightly-raced former New Zealand galloper Warm Breeze broke through for his initial win at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Wednesday, May 14.
Warm Breeze ($2.60 fav) was given the run of the race by Jason Holder in the Thomas Farms Maiden (1200m) before drawing clear to beat Pirate ($3.60) by 1-3/4 lengths with Idracowra ($7), 3-1/2 lengths away third.
Trained by Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor, the five-year-old made good use of gate one to settle third on the fence in the run to the home turn.
Holder eased him to the outside of the leader and after a short tussle, drew clear to win comfortably.
Trainer Ned Taylor said there were definitely positive signs for Warm Breeze.
&ldquo;The front pair gapped those behind them,&rdquo; Taylor said.
&ldquo;He has done everything right today, but he is a horse that has got tricks at home.
&ldquo;The team do a good job to get him to the races.
&ldquo;Jason (Holder) rode him an absolute treat today.
&ldquo;I have watched a few of his replays in New Zealand, and one day he dumped the rider and nearly went down himself and I&rsquo;m not sure if that has made him lose a bit of confidence and be tricky.
&ldquo;But he went out today and got the job done.
&ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t seem to appreciate the firm track at his first run for us at Balaklava.
&ldquo;We gave him a break, let him settle into Australia and our way of training and it paid dividends today.
&ldquo;He is hard work but hopefully when the tracks soften up we will see the best of him.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Jason Holder said it had been a nice win by Warm Breeze.
&ldquo;Ned (Taylor) said he would go well, and he was right,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;It is a good feeling when they jump well from gate one here.
&ldquo;The traffic is all in front of me and I&rsquo;m just there smoking my pipe.
&ldquo;It worked out nicely after he jumped nice and clean and I rode him where he was happy.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to get to the front too soon and he got a good run into the straight.
&ldquo;He did a little bit wrong going to the front as he wanted to lay in, but he will improve fitness-wise for sure.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

SA Goodwood Handicap Day

Warm Breeze

Aaron Bain Racing left it late but finished the South Australian Autumn Carnival with a win.
In fact, it was the last race of the three Saturdays of racing, but METRICAL did us proud with a sensational first-up victory.
The five-year-old, well ridden by Jason Holder, exploded over the last 200 metres to grab a win in the Grand Syndicates Handicap (1200m).
METRICAL looks headed for a good preparation, and he loves rain-affected going, provided SA does get some moisture from the sky.
Switching to harness racing at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, CAPTAIN PERFECT landed another feature with a dominant victory in the Ladbrokes South Australian St Leger.
Then, trainer Peter Bain kept up his 100% record in 2025 with LA MOTH scoring in great style, driven by Sam Hill.
ABR heads to Thomas Farm Murray Bridge on Wednesday with four runners.
WARM BREEZE starts out day in race three, the Thomas Farms Murray Bridge Maiden (1200m) at 1.20pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride, and the five-year-old gelding has drawn gate one in a field of 12.
WARM BREEZE won an 800-metre trial at Murray Bridge in March in preparation for his racing return.
The ex-New Zealander has had just the one run for ABR at Balaklava, and we expect him to improve this preparation.
Ex Victorian PIANTA is our second runner in race four the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Maiden (1800m) at 1.55pm SA time.
Brooke King will ride and claim 2kg drawing gate six in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies. The four-year-old has had two trials and King rode him in the most recent at Balaklava.
PIANTA is a true stayer has been placed over 2450m and 2600m in Victoria.
ESKY has drawn wide in gate 16 in an acceptance of 18 with two emergencies in race seven, the AM &amp; ME Langsford Plasterboard Contractors Rating 0-68 Handicap (1800m) at 3.40pm SA time.
The five-year-old won a 1300 metre trial at Balaklava with Connor Murtagh in the saddle, and the Irishman retains the ride on Wednesday.
ESKY has won first up previously over distance and ABR considers he can be in the finish again.
Our day concludes with BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG in race eight, the Sportsbet More Places Rating 0-56 Handicap (1200m).
ABR has opted to book apprentice Brooke King to ride and claim 2kg. The mare has drawn barrier 14 in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies.
BETSY&rsquo;S FLAG is an enigmatic mare and much better than her last start at Oakbank and we may opt to ride her quietly early with the hope she can finish off her race.
Harness Racing <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/719e696e5d72433fb1b60c08019f0d83.jpg" alt="" width="630" /> 
On the harness racing front, at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, CAPTAIN PERFECT landed another feature with a dominant victory in the Ladbrokes South Australian St Leger.
For driver Wayne Hill it was his second St Leger success, the first being Badboy Nitro, back in 2006.
Then, trainer Peter Bain kept up his 100% record in 2025 with LA MOTH scoring in great style, driven by Sam Hill.
Bain has had five runners this year for as many wins with LIZZIE SHELBY and LA MOTH winning twice, and HILLTOP CRUSADER once.
CAPTAIN PERFECT looks to have a good future and he can only be improved by his St Leger success, his first run from a break.
The three-year-old colt has won two races in succession with his first victory being in the Alabar Vicbred Platinum Homegrown Classic (1720m) at Melton on December 21.
He rated an excellent 1:55.7 coming home his last 800 metres in 57.8 seconds.
Perhaps surprisingly, it was just trainer Emma Stewart&rsquo;s first SA St Leger win.
Stewart has opted to leave CAPTAIN PERFECT in SA with ABR and may race at Globe Derby Park over the next three weeks.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star 
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Even with the excellent Globe Derby wins, including a St Leger success, there is no doubt METRICAL was our weekend star.
The five-year-old&rsquo;s devastating sprint to victory at Morphettville on Goodwood Handicap day was important in the growth of Aaron Bain Racing.
Trained by Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor, METRICAL ($21) flashed down the outside to win the $75,000 Grand Syndicates Handicap (1200m) by a long head from Sachem ($10) with Great Maximus ($4.60) a head away third.
The five-year-old had been listed as third emergency for the event but managed to obtain a start on Friday with three scratchings and the ABR trainers were looking forward to testing him in the Benchmark 68 handicap.
Jockey Jason Holder had the gelding away nicely and settled just worse than midfield with cover but improved to be just behind the leading pack turning for home.
Holder got the gelding to the extreme outside into the clear with 200 metres left and METRICAL exploded to grab victory.
Trainer Aaron Bain said with his win METRICAL had proved a value purchase.
&ldquo;It was a great way to end the carnival,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;We find with the tried horses they have a really good second prep for us.
&ldquo;All his work leading up to today had impressed the whole team &ndash; Ned (Taylor), Will (O&rsquo;Malley) and Barend (Vorster) &ndash; when he came into the mounting yard he looked outstanding.
&ldquo;He ran really well first up for us at 1250 around the Parks track when we bought him, flashed home and unlucky not to win.
&ldquo;Today was just a perfect race for him on the main track and worth $75,000 &ndash; I think he doubled his purchase price with what we collect today.
&ldquo;For the owners it is a great result.
&ldquo;Full credit to our whole team, the systems are really starting to work &ndash; we have the right people in the right places &ndash; and that includes our ownership base.
&ldquo;We will see the best of METRICAL with the sting out of the ground.
&ldquo;To win today, he is going to have a good prep.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Jason Holder said METRICAL had produced a brilliant sprint to score.
&ldquo;It was great to finish Goodwood day with a win,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;METRICAL has run well since coming into the ABR stable.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure we are all learning about him with time.
&ldquo;Aaron said not to go 30-wide turning for home but to keep him balanced with one last run at them.
&ldquo;I think he really loved that.
&ldquo;He was travelling really good on the corner and I just needed to get out.
&ldquo;He was in the right part of the track and let down beautifully.&rdquo;

Successful weekend for ABR

Metrical

South Australia&rsquo;s rich autumn carnival comes to a close on Saturday with the premier sprint the Goodwood Handicap the day&rsquo;s highlight.
ABR doesn&rsquo;t have a Goodwood runner this year but ironically, one of our Morphettville runners on Saturday, RUBAMOS, ran in the race last year.
He only came into ABR&rsquo;s team earlier in 2024 and was having just his third run for trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor, and while unplaced was only 3.6 lengths behind the winner, the outstanding Benedetta.
Come forward 12 months and the trainers have a better understanding of RUBAMOS and the seven-year-old is in excellent form.
RUBAMOS will seek to give ABR our first black type success in the Group 3 $220,000 Hahn Cumming Stakes (1600m), race six at 2.42pm SA time.
Taylor Johnstone, who has enjoyed a good association with gelding, will ride jumping from barrier four in a field of 12.
As a last-start winner of The Vintage at Oakbank, RUBAMOS is entitled to take his place on Saturday.
Price assessors believe he has the job ahead and RUBAMOS is $17 in early markets with the favourite Arran Bay at $4.20.
Later support saw ABR&rsquo;s runner into $12 with the favourites now Arran Bay and Nonconformist at $4.80
NAVY GOLD will be ABR&rsquo;s first runner on Saturday lining up in the opening event, the SkyCity Handicap (1800m) at 11.47pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride again coming from gate nine in a field of 13.
The trainers opted to back the four-year-old up after his excellent second from a horrible gate last Saturday.
NAVY GOLD has been racing in terrific form and looks suited again.
The TAB listed NAVY GOLD at $5.50 behind the $4.20 favourite Wine Barron but punters felt that was too juicy and he firmed into $4 favourite with Wine Barron out to $4.40.
Subsequent betting saw ABR&rsquo;s runner drift to $4.60 with Wine Barron firming again to $3.60 favourite.
ABR also accepted with METRICAL on Saturday, but he was listed as the third of four emergencies in a field of 20 in race nine, the Grand Syndicates Handicap (1200m).
Jason Holder has been booked to ride and the five-year-old drew well in barrier eight.
METRICAL runs well fresh and we would look for him to run well and he has obtained a start with three scratchings.
The TAB has the gelding at $19 with the favourite Beauty Rising at $4.
METRICAL has drifted to $26 with Great Maximus the firming $4.40 favourite.
&nbsp;
Harness Racing
ABR is looking for another Group 1 win with our two three-year-old fillies in Saturday&rsquo;s $200,000 John Gibson Memorial New South Wales Oaks (2300m), race six at 7.35pm SA time.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT and BEACH DIAMOND did not fare well in the draw coming up with saddlecloths eight and eleven, respectively. There is an emergency in seven so they can come in one spot, but BEACH DIAMOND will have to start from the outside of the front row.
Both found the front in their heats last week eventually finishing third and second but will definitely be improved by those runs.
With the scratchings of well fancied Luv The Nitelife and Precise, the market on the race has changed with Soho Americano the $2.90 favourite.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT, with Jackie Barker to drive opened at $6.50 and is now into $5 while Cam Hart stays with BEACH DIAMOND which seems nice odds at $13 but has now firmed to $10.
ABR will be looking for another feature win at Globe Derby Park on Saturday with the talented CAPTAIN PERFECT running in the $9999 Ladbrokes South Australian St Leger, race five at 8.29pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart, the three-year-old hasn&rsquo;t raced since winning the Alabar Vicbred Platinum final at Melton on December 21.
Wayne Hill will drive CAPTAIN PERFECT which has gate three in a field of six.
Trainer Peter Bain will be looking to extend his winning run of four when the impressive LA MOTH lines up in race seven, the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Pace (1800m) at 9.29pm SA time.
Wayne Hill stays with the mare which resumed with a brilliant win last Saturday.
LA MOTH has an awkward draw of six but could come into five with an emergency in gate two.

Fantastic to see so many of the ownership group at Morphettville on Saturday to cheer DUBAI FOCUS in the Group 1 South Australian Derby.
The result didn&rsquo;t go as we would have liked finishing 10th but there is no doubt he should have finished closer to winner.
Aaron Bain Racing is proud that a horse we purchased at the Adelaide Magic Millions Sales two years ago has won three races and picked up in excess of $200,000 in prizemoney and bonuses.
We look forward to giving him a good spell and bringing him back for a spring campaign with a possible goal the Gawler Cup in late October.
Trainer Aaron Bain said he wanted to thank everyone who was at Morphettville on Saturday to support the stable.
&ldquo;It was great to have DUBAI FOCUS conclude his preparation in such a prestigious race,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;He lost no admiration from us with his performance, maybe the 2500 metres proved a touch too far, but he gave his all as he always does.
&ldquo;Ned (Taylor) and I couldn&rsquo;t be prouder of the horse and appreciate the support of the ownership group.&rdquo;
A goal of ABR is to be a player on big days such as last Saturday and felt the barrier draws cost us at least one potential winner with BEACH PAD and NAVY GOLD both running sensationally to finish second in their respective races.
ABR is looking to have three runners this Saturday on the third and final day of the SA Autumn Carnival.
Our chance for black type will be the in-form RUBAMOS which will contest the Group 3 $220,000 The Cummings Stakes (1600m).
No runners for ABR at Oakbank on Wednesday, looking ahead to Goodwood Handicap day on Saturday.
Harness Racing
A good weekend for ABR on the harness front.
IVESEENHEAVENSLIGHT (3rd) and BEACH DIAMOND (2nd) both qualified for this week&rsquo;s NSW Oaks at Menangle with placings in their heats on Saturday night.
Both fillies ran well, and while it would have been nice to win, they showed enough to be very competitive in the final.
Unfortunately, they have both drawn awkwardly in Saturday night&rsquo; Group 1 $200,000 John Gibson Memorial NSW Oaks (2300m).
It will be race six at 7.32pm SA time.
IVESEENHEAVENSLIGHT has barrier eight with Jackie Barker to drive while BEACH DIAMOND will carry saddlecloth 11.
They may come in one gate with the first emergency drawn barrier seven.
At Globe Derby Park, LA MOTH resumed from a spell with an impressive victory giving trainer Peter Bain a two-for-two record since taking over the reins at ABR&rsquo;s Gawler stables.
After settling two back in the running line, reinsman Wayne Hill let the mare sprint over the final 500 metres and LA MOTH raced away to win by 14 metres rating a smart 1:58.5.
Monday provided a double for ABR and took Peter Bain&rsquo;s winning run to four straight.
LIZZIE SHELBY made it two straight this preparation with a comfortable 5-1/2 metre win in the Seymour Group Pace (1800m) as a $1.15 favourite.
She was forced to sit parked as was HILLTOP CRUSADER which resumed with an excellent victory in the Vale Bill Adams Pace (1800m).
A $1.30 favourite, HILLTOP CRUSADER drew clear in the home straight to win by one metre.
Monday&rsquo;s winners were both driven in confident fashion by Wayne Hill.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star 
LA MOTH took the award as ABR&rsquo;s weekend star with her brilliant return to racing at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
Contesting the Ladbrokes Fast Withdrawals Pace (1800m), LA MOTH, now trained by Peter Bain and driven by Wayne Hill, came from barrier two on the second line in the field of nine.
What was unusual was the betting on the race.
The mare opened an odds-on $1.60 favourite but in the half hour lead up, she kept drifting eventually starting at $2.80.
Hill had her away nicely to settle two back in the running line before asking her to improve from the 600-metre mark.
LA MOTH responded and quickly put the field away by 14 metres rating 1:58.5.
Driver Wayne Hill was impressed by LA MOTH&rsquo;s return to racing.
&ldquo;She punched through real good from the second line,&rdquo; Hill said.
&ldquo;She travelled beautifully through the race.
&ldquo;When I asked her to improve she grabbed the bit and trucked forward to the breeze.
&ldquo;She felt a million dollars.
&ldquo;Put them to the sword at the 400 (metres) and raced away.
&ldquo;She had been working well and won as we thought she would.&rdquo;

Weekend Review

ABR Virtual Yearling Parade 2025

The blue riband event of South Australian racing, the Group 1 $1 million Thomas Farms South Australian Derby (2500m) for three-year-olds is the highlight of day two of the SAJC Autumn Carnival at Morphettville on Saturday.
ABR is proud to have our first runner in the Derby with DUBAI FOCUS earning a chance at Group 1 glory.
The Thomas Farms SA Derby is race eight and will be run at 4.05pm SA time.
With Jamie Mott riding in Brisbane this Saturday, ABR has secured the services of star jockey Daniel Stackhouse to partner DUBAI FOCUS which has drawn barrier 13.
The game plan won&rsquo;t change with our star, he will go forward and set a solid tempo and see what happens.
DUBAI FOCUS fought on strongly to take third in the Chairman&rsquo;s Stakes (2000m) last Saturday.
The gelding was early specked from $17 into $15 with some corporate bookmakers and is now as short as $12 in some areas.
Yes, there is a query whether he will run 2500 metres, but that is the same with most of the field. What we do know is that he fights hard and will never give up.
DUBAI FOCUS is one of four runners for ABR at the Derby Day meeting.
BEACH PAD is our first runner, taking part In the opening event, the Winning Edge Presentations Handicap (2009m) at 11.52am SA time.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone retains the ride and claims 2kg off his weight of 61kg and comes from gate nine in a field of 10.
The four-year-old is in great form and ran well when fourth in the Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) at Oakbank at his last start.
Definitely a good chance to start a good day for ABR.
BEACH PAD is quoted at $5 behind the Victorian Global Eclipse which is the $2 favourite.
NAVY GOLD has drawn terribly in gate 17 in a field of 18 with two emergencies in race five the $105,000 David &lsquo;DT&rsquo; Thomas Memorial Provincial Pathways Final (1800m) at 2.12pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride but the barrier has certainly made it tough.
He had no luck from gate one at his most recent run when second at Balaklava.
NAVY GOLD is an $8.50 chance with the TAB behind the $3.20 favourite Fine Future.
ABR&rsquo;s other runner is DUAL PRESSURE in race nine, the $105,000 Grand Syndicates Festival State Series Sprint Final (1200m) at 4.40pmn SA time.
Yet again, he has drawn a shocking gate, the extreme outside in an acceptance of 17 with one emergency.
Jason Holder has been booked to ride.
It is an open betting race with DUAL PRESSURE at $5.50 behind Hajra, the $5 favourite.
Expect the ABR star to be charging home and prove very competitive.
ABR accepted with THERE GOES MY HERO and ESKY at Friday&rsquo;s Bordertown meeting but they both drew awkward gates, so trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor and the team decided to scratch and wait for another day.
<h3>Harness Racing Update</h3>
ABR is proud to have two runners in Saturday night&rsquo;s heats of the New South Wales Oaks at Menangle on Saturday.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT and BEACH DIAMOND, which ran the quinella in the Nutrien Equine Classic for three-year-old fillies at Melton on April 11 will line up at Menangle.
IVSEENHEAVENSLIGHT will be driven by Jackie Barker coming from gate four in the Ashlees Babe NSW Oaks Heat One (2300m), race six at 7.40pm SA time.
The filly has opened a red hot $1.35 favourite.
BEACH DIAMOND is at $4.20 in her heat with stablemate Let Her Roll the $1.80 favourite.
ABR&rsquo;s filly has drawn gate three with Cameron Hart in the sulky in race eight the Cordina Chicken Farms NSW Oaks Heat Three (2300m) at 8.45pm SA time.
The fillies have to run top three to qualify for the Group 1 $200,000 final the following Saturday.
LA MOTH will represent ABR at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
The ex-New Zealand mare will carry the nine saddlecloth in race two, the Ladbrokes Fast Withdrawals Place (1800m) at 6.35pm SA time.
The mare, now trained by Peter Bain and to be driven by Wayne Hill, hasn&rsquo;t raced since finishing second at Globe Derby Park on November 16.
She has trialled well for her race return and ABR expects her to race well.

ABR heads to SA Derby Day!

Aaron Bain Racing was able to celebrate our first stakes placing at Morphettville on Saturday when the courageous DUBAI FOCUS fought on powerfully to run third in the PDF Food Services Chairman&rsquo;s Stakes (2000m).
On the opening day of the South Australian Autumn Carnival, DUBAI FOCUS showed all of his customary will-to-win to grab the minor placing.
As expected, the three-year-old settled in front before allowing VRC Derby winner Goldrush Guru to go to the front before jockey Jamie Mott asked him to go for victory in the home straight, and he was able to snare third.
It was the first time Mott had ridden DUBAI FOCUS and his post-race comments were interesting.
&ldquo;It was a really good run,&rdquo; Mott said.
&ldquo;On paper it looked like we were the only speed, and we had it kind of easy, probably too easy, for the first 300-400 metres.
&ldquo;Goldrush Guru got pulling quite hard which put a bit of tempo, and our horse relaxed beautifully off that horse.
&ldquo;He was really in for the fight up the home straight, he kept coming all the way to the line.
&ldquo;He really fought off the fourth horse for third so a great effort.
&ldquo;I think if you want to push on further (SA Derby) he showed today he is going to run it out.&rdquo;
With that is mind, trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor will monitor DUBAI FOCUS during the week, but it their intention to run in this Saturday&rsquo;s Group 1 $1,000,000 South Australian Derby (2500m).
On Saturday, ABR celebrated consecutive wins in the SA BOTRA Kindergarten Stakes at Globe Derby Park when diminutive filly OPEN THE GATES led throughout.
Trained by Emma Stewart, and driven by Wayne Hill, OPEN THE GATES emulated MISS DISTURBIA which won the feature in 2024.
No runners on Wednesday for ABR at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge but we are looking forward to the weekend with the second day of the SA Autumn Carnival where will be well represented plus the heats of the NSW Oaks in harness racing will be run at Menangle in Sydney.
On Monday, LIZZIE SHELBY made a fantastic return to racing for ABR with a brilliant all the way win in the Northside Trophies Pace (1800m).
Now in the care of Peter Bain, LIZZIE SHELBY firmed from $3.60 to start $1.08 and never gave her supporters a moment of concern with reinsman Wayne Hill having an armchair drive.
The four-year-old mare race away to win by 38-1/2 metres rating an excellent 1:57.6.
Great to see ABR father-figure Peter Bain back in the winner&rsquo;s circle as a trainer and trackside to enjoy the win.
ABR would also like to extend condolences and our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Greg Sugars who sadly passed away overnight on Friday night.
Sugars, 40, was a magnificent trainer and driver and a wonderful human.
ABR director Aaron Bain came up through the SA Pony Trots with the superstar horseman and acknowledged his contribution to harness racing.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star 
OPEN THE GATES was ABR&rsquo;s star with her win in the SA BOTRA Kindergarten Stakes (1800m) at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
Her victory gave ABR consecutive wins in the time-honoured SA feature following MISS DISTURBIA&rsquo;s win in 2024.
Trained by Emma Stewart, and driven by Wayne Hill, OPEN THE GATES led throughout from gate three rating 1:59.5.
In her heat a week earlier, the filly came from gate six and had to sit parked before running second.
She had travelled to Adelaide on the Friday and perhaps that didn&rsquo;t suit so Stewart left her in Adelaide with ABR and she settled back into the routine and was spot on for Saturday night.
Im Big Business, which led and beat OPEN THE GATES in the heat, had positions reversed on Saturday and made a race of it with the ABR filly over the final 500 metres.
ABR&rsquo;s filly was up for the challenge and responded in great style to win well.

ABR Weekend Wrap

The South Australian autumn carnival kicks off at Morphettville on Saturday and Aaron Bain Racing is looking to having runners each week.
The weekend of racing kicks off on Friday with the ANZAC Day meeting at Balaklava.
Only the one runner, BULLET WING at Balaklava.
ABR has to wait until race seven, the Gallipoli Memorial Trophy Benchmark 62 Handicap (1600m) at 4.12pm SA time.
BULLET WING has drawn barrier eight in a field of 17 with Taylor Johnstone to ride.
The six-year-old is in good form and the spacious Balaklava track suits him ideally and ABR is certain he can be very competitive.
ABR is taking three runners to Morphettville on Saturday for the start of the carnival.
Our day starts in race one, the Croser Handicap (1600m) at 12.02pm SA time when MAKIN steps out for the second time for the stable.
Manoel Nunes rides from gate two in a field of 13.
MAKIN was not suited by the 1200 metres on debut for ABR and is a lot better placed on Saturday.
He looked good winning a 1000 metre trial at Balaklava last Thursday.
The TAB opened MAKIN at $12 behind the $3.10 favourite Regal Azmon. We would hope he runs very well.
GHALIB steps out in the Group 3 Sportsbet John Hawkes Stakes (1100m), race three at 1.12pm SA time.
He comes from barrier four in a field of 11 with Manoel Nunes in the saddle.
The five-year-old is all the better for his first two runs for ABR and did trial quite nicely over 1000 metres at Balaklava last Thursday.
ABR hopes he can improve on Saturday and show his true ability.
Price assessors have GHALIB opening at $34 with the smart Watchme Win at $3.20. Again, we would hope he runs better than his odds suggest.
DUBAI FOCUS completes ABR&rsquo;s day in race four, the Group 3 PFD Food Services Chairman&rsquo;s Stakes (2000m) at 1.47pm SA time.
Top Victorian jockey Jamie Mott has been booked and will jump from barrier 13 in a field of 17 with one emergency.
DUBAI FOCUS is a bold front runner and will be up on the speed. He was not disgraced when fourth at his most recent run in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m).
The Chairman&rsquo;s is even tougher, but ABR knows the three-year-old always gives his best.
The TAB opened DUBAI FOCUS at $12 with the favourite Athanatos at $3.30.
&nbsp;
Harness Racing Update
What an excellent debut by DOWNBYTHETEESIDE at Bendigo on Wednesday.
From gate one, the colt had no issue leading with Mark Pitt in the sulky in the Star Sports Supporting The Good Friday Appeal Pace 2150m).
Trained by Emma Stewart, DOWNBYTHETEESIDE had comfortable quarters of 30.8, 31.5 and 30.1 seconds before dashing up the home straight in 27.3 seconds.
He won by 13-1/2 metres and looks to have a nice campaign ahead.
ABR was looking forward to the return of one of our top three-year-olds, CAPTAIN PERFECT, at Melton on ANZAC Day, Friday, April 25.
He drew gate three in race three, heat one of IRT Cranbourne 10000 Pace (2240m) but on Wednesday had to be scratched by trainer Emma Stewart.
Stewart said there was nothing major wrong with the Captain, she was just not quite happy with his final piece of work before Friday.

ABR Weekend Preview

Champion jockey Barend Vorster has been appointed as Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing (ABR).
Aaron Bain, the Principal of ABR, expressed his excitement about Vorster joining the team and becoming a key figure in the growth of the business.
"We are thrilled that Barend has accepted a formal role in the team of a pivotal role in the growth of ABR," Bain said. "Beyond his achievements as a champion jockey, Barend brings with him an exceptional understanding of the industry, and ABR is fortunate to have access to his vast racing knowledge."
Bain also acknowledged Vorster&rsquo;s key role in bringing Singaporean owner Mansoor Ghandi&rsquo;s horses to ABR.
"Barend was instrumental in Ghandi sending five horses our way, and we were delighted to see a first-up win with Bakeel at Morphettville last Saturday, as well as Asif debuting this weekend at Morphettville."
Vorster, 48, expressed his excitement about this new phase in his career.
&ldquo;Not having ridden for nearly two years, I wanted to look at other options and becoming Bloodstock Manager for Aaron Bain Racing gives me a new challenge and the opportunity to remain in the racing industry,&rdquo; Vorster said
&ldquo;I attended the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale last month and the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney in February.&rdquo;
Vorster will also be attending the Victorian Inglis Premier Sale on March 2, 3, and 4, followed by his involvement in the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale on March 17 and 18.
"I will be working closely with our team to source horses for ABR to purchase while also fostering relationships with breeders, studs, sales companies, and both current and prospective owners. This will be an important part of shaping the next phase of my life, and ultimately working with Aaron to build the next chapter at Angaston Park."
Vorster&rsquo;s journey as a jockey came to an unexpected end on February 18, 2023, when the horse Chicago Storm threw its head back and struck him in the face at Morphettville.
Though Chicago Storm went on to win the race, Vorster experienced dizziness and a severe headache following the incident.
The concussion and subsequent issues have kept the 2021/22 John Letts Medal winner from riding ever since.
Vorster said, with treatment, he had improved, but there was one issue which was preventing him from returning to race riding.
&ldquo;A vertebra in my neck is not quite right and if I shift my head into a particular area, there is a sharp pain because the nerves pinch,&rdquo; Vorster said.
&ldquo;Unfortunately, it would be when I lifted my head if I were riding. Specialists have told me it might come right, but while I was waiting, I wanted to do something in case it never really heals. I had become friends with Aaron when he started training and had a good association with him and Ned (Taylor).&rdquo;
&ldquo;One of my closest friends is Wayne Mitchell who owns Angaston Park and when Aaron and Ned started training on the property, I started going up to watch trackwork, just to keep myself involved in the industry. &nbsp;Aaron suggested I move into a more formal role with the team, and I was happy to be involved. His enthusiasm to grow the business is infectious, and I am looking forward to helping the development of ABR.&rdquo;
Vorster's career began at the South African Apprentice Academy when he was just 14. He had his first race at 17, riding successfully in South Africa until the age of 25. He then accepted an offer to race in Singapore, where he stayed for 15 years.
Together with his wife Nikki, Vorster made the decision to relocate and join trainer Tony McEvoy in South Australia, where McEvoy was based at Kildalton Park, now Angaston Park. There, he won the prestigious Group 1 Newmarket Handicap aboard the champion mare Sunlight, just his third ride in Australia. Vorster went on to win 1980 races, including 11 Group 1s. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/2414aa12c0e040048c0215037637e366.jpg" alt="" width="630" />
&ldquo;I have been very fortunate to have ridden such champion racehorses such as Rocket Man and Sunlight, but I now look forward to helping Aaron and Ned find their own Group 1 winners.&rdquo;
Bain added that Vorster&rsquo;s move into the Bloodstock Manager role will help refocus the efforts of form expert Will O&rsquo;Malley.
&ldquo;Will came on board assisting in the bloodstock area, but with Barend now joining ABR on a full-time basis, Will can focus on the form, programming, acceptances and jockey bookings.
Vorster is also present at trackwork of a morning at Angaston, and will now take a more hands-on role with the development of the brand. &nbsp;His presence and dedication reflect his commitment to ABR becoming Australia&rsquo;s Next Generation of Racing.
Vorster can be contactable in his new role for the stable via&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barend@aaronbainracing.com.au">barend@aaronbainracing.com.au</a>&nbsp;or 0487 971 221.

Aaron Bain Racing | News 61221 Vorster Joins Abr As Bloodstock Manager

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